Team Helsa

It goes without saying that having a mental health issue can be isolating. When faced with a mental illness, people find themselves becoming more and more isolated, this happens gradually and over time, but this should come as a gentle reminder for those who are dealing with mental illness that you are not alone.

There is no need to feel guilty, or ashamed because mental health issues including stress, anxiety and depression are more common than you think. A 2014 survey conducted by NHS, reported that around 40% of the adults were accessing mental health treatment, which means that 1 in 3 individuals you have met have probably accessed mental health services at one point.

The stigma surrounding mental health is dissipating. According to statistics, in the year 2016, 87,000 people in Scotland used the NHS 24 mental health telephone and online support services. This might not seem like a big figure but compare to the number of people reaching out for help a decade ago (only 36000 in 2006) it is a big improvement and a source of solace for many that they aren’t alone and they shouldn’t have to be.

Besides the stigma surrounding mental health and wellbeing, it’s the fear that prevents people from acknowledging and seeking help - don’t be one of them.

So, how can you overcome this barrier and seek help?

Get introspective

If something doesn’t feel right, then take a moment to think about your mental health. Being open and honest about your well-being can be hard and rightly so because it is not easy, but the first step is acknowledging that you might need help. Prevention is better than cure and the sooner you find help the faster your recovery will be.

Open up

To begin with, share your feelings and symptoms with your general physician (GP), who can then recommend treatment options. Perhaps the issue is not psychological, but rather physical. Based on the nature of the issue, treatment can range from medication to lifestyle changes and psychotherapy.

Find help

Remember that reaching out for help – by getting professional support, is a vital step towards getting better. There’s no denying that asking for help can be difficult, but help is out there, and you don’t need to struggle alone because you deserve support.

Use helsa match to find a therapist - someone who will not only understand your problem but also empower you to deal with it in future.